August 2010 New Products

LS Engines:
Valve Cover Conversion
In increasing numbers hot rodders are making the switch to GM Gen III and Gen IV engines. Nevertheless, the valve cover choices for these LS engines leave much to be desired in the style department. Inglése now has a simple way to add classic, show-inspired looks to your LS engine with their all-new small-block Chevy Valve Cover Adapter Kit ($149.99). These billet aluminum adapters are designed to mate center-bolt GM LS heads with any perimeter-bolt small-block Chevy valve cover. CNC-machined from billet aluminum, this kit features an O-ring channel for reuse of the stock LS valve cover seals, as well as featuring the same oil-deflecting lip on the spacer. The kit is fully compatible with all GM LS valvetrain components, including large aftermarket shaft rockers and springs.

Power Brokers:
Brodix Budget Heads
Their customers have spoken and Brodix has listened. The IK Series small-block Chevy heads offer the only two things that matter: performance and price. Brodix has packed these street-oriented heads with new features including a revolutionary casting, versatile 180cc or 200cc intake ports that are specifically designed for optimum versatility, and 64cc or 70cc combustion chambers that allow the use of several types of fuels. Standard features are A-356 virgin aluminum alloy, phosphorous bronze valveguides, valve seats for use with unleaded fuel, ends milled and drilled for accessories, and a straight spark plug angle. Also, CNC-ported combustion chambers are available as large as 74 cc. Brodix says these are the most affordable, high-quality aluminum cylinder heads on the market. Brodix IK cylinder heads start at $1,055.95 (through Summit), assembled.

GM A-Body Tech:
Easy Firewall Panel
There comes a time in every serious Chevelle (or GM A-body) project where you must decide if a stock engine compartment will suffice, or you want a more custom look. If you want a custom smooth firewall but it's out of your budget, you might want to look at ABC Performance's firewall smoothie panel for '64-67 Chevelle, Skylark, Cutlass, and LeMans/Tempest. The firewall in these cars is full of ugly holes and dings for rigidity, and a seam running from left to right that will crack if simply covered with body filler. ABC's panel is a weld-in 18-gauge piece that can be installed by anyone with basic sheetmetal skills. The ABC Performance panel fits over the original firewall, and is laser cut for precise, clean edges. The panel sells for $125, plus shipping and handling. To make installation easier, ABC Performance also offers a Cleco kit for $25.

Attention Buick Fans!
Engine Accessory Drive
Buick guys almost never get any attention from the aftermarket, but the guys at Metco Performance are changing that. If you own a Buick 400-, 430-, or 455-based engine, Metco's new serpentine beltdrive conversion system is for you. Metco's longtime affinity for classic Buicks and their history of manufacturing precision pulleys and supercharger drives has led to the development of this Buick system, which sells for around $1,000. This comprehensive kit includes everything necessary for the conversion and will be offered in configurations with and without power steering. The kit uses an eight-rib belt for maximum grip and for an appearance appropriate for the powerful Buick engine. Installation requires little or no modification, and all accessories remain in their original locations. There is also no need to extend the alternator wiring, or to replace the power steering hoses.

Brake Check:
New Strips Test Fluid Safety
Healthy brake fluid is instrumental in stopping your vehicle, and it also protects the system from corrosion. Scheduled fluid testing is the best way to maintain performance, but few people do it because of the expense and hassle. Brake fluid degrades and wears out over time, leaving the system vulnerable to corrosion, not to mention longer stopping distances. It is impossible to ascertain the validity of DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluid by color, age, moisture, or mileage, and this is where the BrakeStrip shines. BrakeStrip uses copper testing technology, and according to the manufacturer, it's 35 times more effective than moisture testing. To test, you dip one end of the BrakeStrip in the suspect fluid for one second, then shake off the excess. Wait one minute for the reaction to complete. To determine the health rating of your fluid, compare the color of the strip with the color examples on the package. When the fluid most closely matches the purple tone equal to 100-ppm (parts per million) level, it's time to change fluid.

Crate Engine Power:
New ZZ Crate HEI
This new D.U.I. (Davis Unified Ignition) is specifically designed for GM's ZZ-4, ZZ-454, and the ZZ-502 crate engines. According to Performance Distributors, two features distinguish the crate engine D.U.I. from the regular line of D.U.I. Distributors. First, they calibrate the advance curve on a distributor machine to accommodate the GM Performance Catalog's timing recommendations. The optimized curve provides instant throttle response and maximum performance throughout the rpm range, while protecting the crate engine from detonation. Pinpoint accuracy is achieved by coordinating the mechanical advance with the proper vacuum advance. Secondly, a melanized distributor gear is used to mesh properly with the crate engine's steel hydraulic roller camshaft. The distributor comes complete, including Street/Strip D.U.I. coil and Dyna-Module, which allow increasing the plug gap .050 to .055 inch, thus burning the fuel more completely.